Johns Hopkins University is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on the health and well-being of the university community, as well as on the continuity of university operations. This website is updated frequently, and we encourage you to check back regularly for new information.

What you need to know

Last updated June 5, 4 p.m.

► The status of university operations remains unchanged, even as Maryland takes steps to resume some activities. For the time being, only essential on-campus activities are permitted. More information »

NEW Maryland will begin to move to Phase 2 of its gradual reopening process on June 5, with total hospitalizations in the state having fallen to their lowest level in more than seven weeks. Individual jurisdictions are empowered to make decisions about the timing and pace of reopening; Baltimore City remains in Phase 1 at this time.

University operations

► Details were shared with residential students on May 12 regarding a move-out process that adheres to public health guidance. Move out will occur between May 18 and June 19, by appointment, for anyone who wishes to return to campus to retrieve their belongings. More information on the move-out process »

► While the university remains open, telework is the first choice and priority for as many employees as possible. Employees should be on site only when performing essential tasks. More HR guidance »

► All on-campus research is restricted to essential activities only at this time; non-critical laboratory research activities remain suspended until further notice. More information »

► Access to all campus buildings is restricted—buildings are locked and require key card swipes for entry or will have a staffed on-site security station. More information »

Regional updates

Health guidance and resources

Your health and the health of our community is our primary concern. If you feel ill, contact the Employee COVID-19 Call Center (employees, post-docs, house staff), or University Health Services or the Student Health and Wellness Center (students). More information »

To maximize your own health and the health of others, public health experts recommend:

Wash your hands frequently

Cough/sneeze into your elbow

Practice social and physical distancing

Coronavirus symptoms

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include fever, chills (sometimes accompanied by repeated shaking), muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

Social distancing

To slow the spread of COVID-19, public health experts encourage social distancing, a practice designed to keep sick individuals from coming in contact with healthy ones in order to limit opportunities for transmission. The CDC recommends avoiding large gatherings and crowds, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others. More on social distancing and its benefits »

Use of masks

Per the new CDC guidelines, all JHU affiliates should wear non-medical, cloth face coverings in public and at work as a way to slow the spread of the virus and help diminish the risk of transmission. This guidance is in addition to the recommended six feet of social distancing.

Due to limited supply at this time, medical masks will be prioritized for the health care setting. All Johns Hopkins Medicine employees are required to wear a surgical, procedural, or cloth face mask while working in any Johns Hopkins Medicine facility.

COVID-19 information for employees

Employees should follow the university sick leave policy and notify your manager if you are sick. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, call 911. If you begin having symptoms of COVID-19 or you are worried that you were exposed, call our Employee COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

COVID-19 testing for students

University Health Services and the Student Health and Wellness Center will only order tests for those who meet the criteria set by Johns Hopkins Infection Control. If it is determined, based on the criteria, to administer a COVID-19 test, it could take up to 24 hours to arrange for the test during the weekday. If your test is being ordered on a weekend, you will be contacted on the next business day to arrange testing. The turnaround time for test results averages one to two days.